The ColdFusion Podcast Episode 32 - The Ajax and Flex Debate

Posted At : September 11, 2006 8:30 AM | Posted By : Bryan Kaiser
Related Categories: Episodes, Flex, AJAX

This week we try and take an objective approach to where and when to use Flex, Ajax, and the two together. We also point you to some blog debates over the topic. Also this week we run down some good news items.

Running Time: 53:31

Listen

Comments

[Add Comment]

Why don't you guys actually write and deploy a Flex application, something really basic, and then come back and comment on your likes and dislikes instead of relying on what, "you hear from other people."

Or, better yet, you should have invited a Flex/Flash developer (Ryan or Grant Skinner) to make this "debate" a little more even, instead of bowing down to the great AJAX and get some real info from people who use it every day.

I appreciate your faults of AJAX, but it was still one sided.

Also, you guys sound a little whiny in this episode...

# Posted By jim | 9/11/06 10:02 AM

Hey Guys, only been listening to the last 3 episodes, and today login to find out that you've given my blog a plug. Thanks tons!

- Chris
www.ColdFusionUsers.com

# Posted By Chris | 9/11/06 1:31 PM

I've tried and tried and tried to continue to listen to this podcast, but after listening to this last podcast, I can cleary say I'm done. I'm so tired of listening to you guys talk about tech topics that you either didn't work on, or you take advice from other people then form your opinions around someone else's experiences instead of your own.

It's also been quite tiring and depressing to hear you guys complain over the past few episodes.

I still wish you luck, with the podcast

# Posted By daniel philips | 9/15/06 7:17 AM

I have to agree with Daniel - it's pretty pathetic to hear all your comments, but to hear "I've never even touched Flexbuilder".

My first, and most likely last listen.

# Posted By Edward | 9/19/06 2:16 PM

We never said that we hadn't touched Flex Builder. Check out Episode 25 where we talk about the CF/Flex Super Wizard. We did say that we haven't built any Flex apps. However, that's not 100% true. We haven't built any Flex apps that I would consider exemplary of Flex's strong points (I did build a very simple app in Flex 1.5).

I know many of you didn't think we weren't fair to Flex in this last episode. Well, we've got some plans that should serve to allay those feelings. Let's just say that we're going to bring in some outside perspectives. I will announce details on coming episodes as I have them.

# Posted By Bryan Kaiser | 9/19/06 5:47 PM

Hey guys, I started listening a couple weeks ago. Some things have been a lot of help :) thks for that.

I work for Boeing and write biz apps using Coldfusion and just started using Flex 2 - ITS A BIG improvement over Flex 1.5, which used the crappy Dreamweaver IDE, now flex Builder 2 will probably shape how future Eclipse plugins come down the pipe. I strayed away from Ajax due to the cross browser issues some folks are running into and in my environment I just dont have time to test across multiple browsers, using Flash I dont have that problem :) (just my 2 cents on that) I am however starting to delve into AJAX not only for my own personal career reasons, but also because its always better to have more then one hammer in your toolbox IMO.

AsFusion has indeed done a realestate app using Flex 2. Which was reskinned. http://www.asfusion.com/projects/home-locator/

Also, Flex 2 can be totally reskinned so it doesnt look like the out of the box look.
http://www.adobe.com/devnet/flex/quickstart/stylin...

There another link that I couldnt find about recreating the component look and feel in Flash then importing it as a theme in Flex 2.... it can be done just cant find the stupid link :D

Lastly lets not forget that Flex 2 has a AJAX bridge where you can import the entire AJAX library for your use. :)
http://www.adobe.com/devnet/flex/flex_ajax.html

Also not to flame anyone whos posting their opinion, but we all need to remember the web is HUGe so are its technologies and its hard enough to stay on top of stuff much less look at everything thats out there then post a podcast and expect to make everyone happy. Hopefully we wont see developers running outside and lighting churches on fire and stuff in protest! :D (god help us if that happens)

I give you guys a thumbs up for at least doing what your doing & bringing up some good interesting points :) Laterz - keep up the interesting dialogue!

~ Josh ~

# Posted By Josh | 9/22/06 9:57 AM

Hey thanks for putting my comments on the Episode 32 podcast :) Appreciate that!

I wanted to provide some more useful links that shed some more light on Flex 2 and what it solves, what it offers, etc...

Some good info on flex 2:
http://flexseminar.com/

Cairngorm Framework/framework group:
http://flexheads.com/

Overall good info:
http://flex.org/

# Posted By Josh | 9/26/06 11:31 AM

[Add Comment]